WHILE Dagenham & Redbridge striker Paul Benson may not speak with much confidence about his own ability, his feet certainly talk a different game, writes James Randall.

The 27-year-old - who had seen what looked to be a highly productive first season in League football put on hold by a fractured leg - made a scoring return to action at the weekend.

Benson, who had been ruled out since facing Barnet on Boxing Day, came off the bench to score a precious equaliser against fellow strugglers Shrewsbury on Saturday.

And despite only being the beanpole striker's 18th appearance of the campaign, it enabled him to increase his impressive return of goals to eight for the season.

But, despite the impressive tally and coupled with the 28 goals he got last season as he fired the Daggers to the Conference - the man who was only playing Essex Olympian Football League football with White Ensign three years ago still has doubts about his own ability at Football League level.

"I'm not blessed with the most confidence in the world so I needed to get the confidence back that I can score at this level," said Benson.

"When you're injured, the gaffer and the staff have got other things to worry about.

"I'm not saying they forgot about me but they've got other people to look to.

"When I came back to training, it felt like I had to prove myself all over again, to the players and management."

Benson returned to Dagenham's starting line-up for the 0-0 draw at Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday.

But he feels he will struggle to give a fair account of himself for the remainder of the campaign and has targeted returning to his sharp-shooting best next season.

"There aren't enough games for me (this season) to get back to what I'd consider full fitness," he said.

"It's hard to tell how long it is before I regain full fitness.

"When I go out and play I'll be able to tell you, but I wouldn't be able to say this weekend is when I'll be fit.

"I feel a way away from where I was last season but that was great for me.

"I felt on top of the world for 95 per cent of it."

"I don't think I'll be back there for the rest of the campaign, but I'm really looking forward to next season."